Mokwheel Onyx Review | A Bike Full of Surprises

Some brands dabble in fat tire bikes, but Mokwheel is an established veteran in the category, and that experience shows in how the Onyx is set up. It hits many of the right notes for what fat bikes are meant to be: stability, confidence, and a planted ride feel.

The sizing is mostly excellent. I liked the long wheelbase, which contributes heavily to the bike’s stable, confident character. That stretched-out length does a lot for balance, and the 4-inch-wide tires only reinforce that sense of security on the bike.

The frame itself felt solid. It’s impressively stiff, which isn’t a given on a bike that weighs what this one does. The linkage hardware is beefy and well reinforced, easing any concerns I’d normally have about durability or flex on a heavier full-suspension platform.

The suspension is effective, though clearly on the budget end of the spectrum. The DNM rear shock works well with its 50mm of travel and doesn’t readily bottom out on pavement. You’ll find its limits when pushing harder off-road, and mine developed a bit of squeak, but overall it does its job. The same general theme applies to the fork. The dual-crown design looks aggressive, and the compression adjustments help with dialing in feel, but it’s springy, can generate some noise, and—as is typical with this design—limits the turning radius. Personally, it feels like the fork is more about aesthetics than dramatically expanding the riding scenarios compared to something like the Mokwheel Obsidian. That said, it’s still perfectly serviceable and undeniably eye-catching.

The 720mm handlebar pairs well with the 26 x 4-inch tires. On many bikes that width might feel narrow, but here it strikes a nice middle ground, keeping steering predictable without feeling twitchy or overly wide.

The stem-mounted display looks sharp and adds to the bike’s premium feel. I appreciated the adjustability for dialing in fit, and the screen itself is clear, high-definition, and easy to read. There’s a good amount of customization accessible through the control pad. The turn-signal icons don’t actually function, but the controls do give you quick access to menus and settings. I still have mixed feelings about Mokwheel’s signature gel bubble grips, but they’re worth trying before writing them off—they may agree with your palms more than they did with mine. And if not, grips are an easy and inexpensive swap.

You also get some nice extras, including a dual-LED headlight and plastic fenders. The manual dropper-style lever under the cushioned saddle was handy for quick height adjustments, though I didn’t find myself using it mid-ride the way I would a traditional dropper post.

There are mounting points for both front and rear racks, and Mokwheel’s optional power inverter and solar panel system make an appearance here as well. Those accessories are optional, but if you’re the type of rider who likes getting off the grid for a day or two, being able to recharge the bike—and power other electronics from the same battery—is a standout capability that very few e-bikes offer.